How are you supposed to adress professors?

Question

Here's the deal: A little while ago, I emailed my professor for the first time and called him "Dr. ................." But soon after in his office, I called him by his fist name - it just slipped!

Then in a subsequent email I adressed him by his first name because I already let it slip in his office. (He never said anything - he didn't seem bugged by it - but I'm sure he noticed the change).

Now I feel uncomfortable, though. Lile I crossed the line. He's really young and doesn't act "professor-like". Should I bring this up to him and ask him how he prefers to be called? I feel really weird.

Answer 1

First, don't worry. You slipped. No big deal.

But you should definitely ask him how he'd prefer to be addressed.

Professors usually have strong opinions about this. Personally, I allow students to call me by my first name (and I am female, and not out to seduce anyone), but I sometimes worry that this masks the fact that I have power over them (grades). Some of my colleagues are very picky about how they are addressed, and insist on "Professor M."

While "Dr. G" is appropriate in correspondence, the title "Doctor" is usually used for medical doctors, and although we have doctorates, we (at least the dozens and dozens of professors I know) usually prefer the title "Professor" in conversation.

Bottom line: Don't feel weird. Ask. :)

Answer 2

When Professors introduce themselves, they tell you from the very beginning how they prefer to be addressed. Even if they are young or maturer in age, it's more professional to address that person by his/her title. If you converse with a Professor and say call him, Robert, and nothing is said...could state that since it was a one on one conversation, the title wasn't required... In correspondence, it is of etiquette, to address that person by his/her title. In a public setting, try to utilize his title as Professor, and when it's just you conversing with your Professor, he will tell you once you state again, Professor, on whether he prefers it or not. Make sense? This way you don't have to approach him with an awkward feeling and you indirectly pose the question. Good luck and be Safe...(smiles)

Answer 3

If you're really worried, just ask him. I've stressed over this too - when I was writing a slightly formal letter (about a summer job)... I ended up using "Dr......" for that, but to their faces I call all my professors by their first names now. This may just be because I'm doing geology though, and we go on field trips and drink beer with them too... so when you're down at the pub or round a beach fire with a bunch of your lecturers, it would be outright weird to refer to them as "Dr..."!

It may differ depending on the faculty, university, individual... if he hasn't said anything I wouldn't worry,. but I'm sure he wouldn't take offence to being asked if it's really been bothering you.

Answer 4

Use "Professor" or "Doctor", out of respect; the "line crossing" should best be forgotten.

Answer 5

If he/she has a Ph.D. then call them doctor. If they ask you to call them by their first name, then run. They're trying to seduce you.

Answer 6

Just say "Professor [lastname]"

Answer 7

You could certainly ask him or you could call him proffessor